Letter from a First Time Foster Mom

Hello. I wanted to share with everyone my experience as a first time foster. I have always admired those who have fostered. It's something that I have always wanted to do but did not think that it was something I could at this time in my life. I have a small home without a fenced yard, two young children that keep me going, a 5yr old boxer that I adopted last year (who can be a little neurotic) and I work part time. It just seemed like I would be taking on too much. But then I saw the email regarding Norman.
The one eyed senior boy in the LI shelter. I saw his sad picts and heard how his spirit was broken and thought someone needed
to do something. Even if I could spring him, keeping him until a proper foster opened up. So after I discussed it with my family, I contacted Gary. I told him my situation and explained how I wanted to help him. After several conversations, Gary thought that this boy (Mr. Norman) may not be the right dog for me and my particular situation. But seeing my need to help and soft spot for seniors, he told me about "farm dog". A senior who was hanging around a farm in PA and needed a place to stay. We arranged
to meet. He brought me everything I needed. Lots of food, a crate, a comforter, leash & collar, chew things, toys, bowls...everything I needed. He told me they estimated him to be 8 but when I saw him, I thought that couldn't be. He looked much older. He was very underweight, quite lumpy, in desperate need of a bath and so very sad. He hardly reacted to me, he
was "just there". I put him in my car (windows cracked) and took him home. Taking with me, the word that Gary would keep in contact and be there if I needed anything at all.
Now five days later, "Farm Dog" has been bathed and is called "Bert". His tail started wagging within hours of being in my
home and hasn't stopped since. My husband swears he's smiling. He gets along great with my kids and dog. In fact, I think my
girl (Ty) is even more settled since he has arrived. Knowing my girl, everyone said "she will be jealous!", but that is not the case
at all. It took them no time at all to adjust and they seem to follow each others positive behavior. For example, at the dinner table Ill tell Ty to "back off" and she will run off into the other room and wait on her bed until we are through. Now when I say that,
they both go! It's as if he has been there all along. When we go for our walks past the psycho Saint Bernard that lives down the block, Ty used to get agitated. Now they just stroll on by like he is not even there. They are just wonderful together. He has made himself right at home, sharing dog beds and playing with toys as if this is all he has ever wanted. Just a home and someone to smile at him (weep weep) and get those boxer wiggles going. He looks like a very different dog from 5 days ago. Maybe they all don't adjust this quickly but I think that it is what they all need, just a home with someone to care about them. Once they have that, they can adjust and become renewed. A new start.
So, I thank you for reading all this because I just want to convey that fostering serves everyone. Bert has given to me so much or more than I've given to him. Also I thank Gary who was there to take the time to listen, assess my situation and find the right dog. The dog that would fit in our particular situation so that I could do something that was important to me. If you are considering fostering, please just shoot Gary an email. Tell him YOUR situation and just see what he has to say. He has proven to me that he will not just give you a dog and send you on your way. He will try to get you the dog that will work for you and he is there to back you up. It's a support system. Don't miss out on seeing some little boxer, smiling around your house!!! Again, thank you Gary and Jean for all your help (and everyone else), leading us in this VERY worthy endeavor. :)